Ottawa Homes

Curb Appeal: Patchwork pattern house needs harmony

The distinct identity of the home's unusual personality was respected, while richer and darker tones for balance and harmony were introduced.

Photograph by: Suzanne Rowe
, The Gazette

Eliminating fragmented look was the goal

With its horizontal layers of diverse strips of bricks and colours, this house reminded me of a patchwork pattern. This effect was accentuated by a huge white triangular shape sitting on a rusty ribbon above the brown blocks of the middle section. At the base was a series of elongated and stained cream bricks which stood over a very tall beige foundation. And if this wasn’t enough, the roof was grey.

Approaching this project, my goal was to eliminate the fragmented effect. Ripping off the facade and making it look like any other home was not an option. I chose to respect the distinct identity of its unusual personality while introducing richer and darker tones for balance and harmony. The ramps seem dainty in comparison with the massive building. For better proportions, I suggest simple railings made out of square opaque stained white wooden posts. A bold and taper supporting column would seem more appropriate than the lightweight and airy one.

The second level is a rental. To me, this area looks awkward and incomplete. Half of the balcony as well as half of the front of the cornice seem missing. I would love to see an extension of these so that the balcony and railings go all the way to the right side and for the thicker cornice to lengthen its face to the left. Depending on the layout inside the room, either four sliding or french patio doors should be installed. With exterior acrylic paint in a matte finish, the exact coloration of the brown bricks will be mirrored onto the siding on the white triangular section of the second floor.

To minimize the splitting between the top and bottom parts of the facade, the pale narrow bricks and the beige foundation will be coated in a strong camel hair tint that has no hint of pink. In a matte finish, a specialized brick, mortar and concrete product is recommended. All the vertical gutter pipes will have to be camouflaged by being painted the same colour as the wall behind. In our case, banded to match. A scaled-up hanging light fixture will reflect the strong character of the home. Mailboxes don’t need to be so apparent. A few strokes of brown paint and the mail person will be trying to find it for days.

Because of the intense heat generated on this part of the lot, making anything grow is a challenge. A series of plants that aren’t too sensitive to scorching temperatures will be introduced.

In the beginning, a more copious watering regiment will be in order, as their root system develops. Orange and white blooms from various perennials and bushes and a well-chosen climbing plant could pitch in to diffuse the fierce warmth.

A made-to-measure and well secured strong trellis made out of 1 ½ x 1 ½ inch thick posts in a square pattern will visually break up the horizontal lines on the empty wall. The structure will start from the top of the glass blocks and will end near the ground level. The spacing between the big window on the right and the corner next to it will be our spacing on each side of the trellis. A good 4’’ thick layer of dark brown mulch will help in conserving moisture.

The existing hedge is not groomed properly. To prevent bare branches at the base of the bushes, always trim so the top is smaller than the base.

If the maple tree is not salvageable, I propose to place three columnar oak trees in a row on the right side of the building, with adequate spacing. They will offer coolness without totally plunging the area in permanent shade. Because of their lean shape, these will not brush against electrical wires. They would then be spared a somewhat unhappy pruning party by some well intentioned power employees. Sorry guys!

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Mortgage Calculator

Loan Amount

Amortization

Interest

Term (mths)

Payment of

The above is for illustrative purposes only. Canadian Rates are compounded semi-annuallyHelp?

Mortgage Calculator

Loan Amount

Amortization

Interest

Term (mths)

Payment of

The above is for illustrative purposes only. Canadian Rates are compounded semi-annuallyHelp?

Househunting Newsletter

Receive the latest in real estate news, decorating and renovating tips every two weeks in the househunting.ca newsletter.